Arizona LPN
AZ LPN Schools, LPN Programs and LPN Salary Data

Arizona has a growing number of opportunities in the nursing field.  Within the state, Licensed Practical Nurses make up 21% of the total nurses and the LPN comfort score is 105.  This takes into account the average LPN salary, average state salary and cost of living. Arizona has the 3rd highest comfort score in the nation for LPNs. The Alabama RN comfort score is considerably higher at 141. This difference between the two illustrates that obtaining an RN degree is a good idea but that it isn’t necessary to live comfortably in the state. Arizona nursing schools and universities can provide more information that can help you pursue either degree. In Arizona, the city of Phoenix and its outlying suburbs or the Tucson area have the most prevalent number of potential educational institutions and job opportunities for an LPN.

Checklist to become an Arizona LPN:

1. Earn your LPN Degree, 1 year of courses and hands-on practice.
2. Apply for licensure with the Arizona Board of Nursing ($85 fee) – Have your school send your transcript to them as well
3. Obtain a CPR card and pass the NCLEX-PN exam

LPN Salaries in Arizona
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) in Arizona earn an average of $21.95/hr and a yearly income of $45,790. In Arizona, the Phoenix/Mesa/Scottsdale area provided employment for close to half of all the nurses in the state. An LPN can work in a variety of areas within the nursing field including nursing care facilities, hospitals or a physicians’ office. In Arizona, LPN’s who work in nursing care facilities earn, on average, the highest pay. When choosing a career path within the industry, salary is only one piece to consider. Many LPNs find a more rewarding career in a family office rather than a hospital, despite a lower salary. It is crucial to begin trying to figure out which area is the best fit for you as early as possible. Take advantage of all the offered nursing classes and programs as well as continue to educate yourself and research all the available options before deciding.

LPN Degree and Education in Arizona
In the state of Arizona, the practical nursing program is the quickest route to becoming a nurse. To earn a degree requires one year of courses as well as hands-on practice. After 6 months of education, students can take a test to become a Certified Nursing Assistant and begin working while finishing the program. CNA’s perform basic tasks like obtaining vital signs and performing personal care, this allows the student more hands on experience in the healthcare environment. You are required to obtain a CPR card, and pass the NCLEX-PN exam upon completion of the course. It is mandatory in Arizona to prove your citizenship. With any questions about nursing programs and specific requirements, contact the admissions office of your chosen college or school.

License Renewal for LPNs and RNs are provided online through the Arizona State Board of Nursing or through the mail. With renewal of a nursing license it is mandatory to complete certain requirements. Those who have graduated from a nursing program with a degree or who have obtained an advanced nursing degree, like LPN to RN, RN to BSN or masters to doctorate, within the past five years have completed the states requirements for renewal. Nurses who have practiced as a nurse for 960 hours in the past five years also have completed renewal requirements. If either of these instances have not been met, a nursing refresher course approved by the State Board completed within the past five years will fulfill all requirements. The refresher course is available on line by the Arizona State Board of Nursing.

Arizona LPN Job Outlook
The nursing shortage in The United States is steadily increasing. There is a rising demand for new and more effective health procedures and life expectancy averages are continuing to climb. These issues will be reflected in the Arizona health industry and help to create an extremely strong job outlook for LPNs.

According to the Arizona Healthcare Workforce Data Center in 2008, Arizona needs to hire at least 50,000 registered nurses over the next nine years to meet state needs. The state has put pressure on its schools to open more programs and positions for nursing students. There are many registered nurse job openings all over Arizona in all fields of nursing. Arizona hospitals, home health companies and doctor offices are now offering flexible schedules, educational benefits, higher pay and other incentives to retain their staff and to recruit new nurses. Some hospitals are even offering sign on bonuses or student loan reimbursement up to certain maximums.

Arizona is a great place for LPN’s. The average salary and benefits rank the state as the third best in the nation for comfort. Overall, the future for Arizona nursing looks very bright. A career as an LPN in this state can provide opportunities and security.

The Arizona State Board of Nursing Website is www.azbn.gov/

University of Phoenix

As the largest private university in North America, University of Phoenix has more than 200 locations, and is available online in most countries around the world. Whether you're seeking a college degree at an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral level, we can help you reach your academic goal—and sooner than you might think.

Programs:

• Licensed Practical Nurse/ Licensed Vocational Nurse to BSN
• MS in Nursing (RN Required)
• BS in Nursing (RN Required)
• And more...

Locations: Phoenix

Brown Mackie College

Grow, evolve, become at Brown Mackie College family of schools

Programs:

• Diploma in Practical Nursing
• Associate of Science in Medical Assisting
• Diploma in Medical Assistant
• And more...

Locations: Tucson

Fortis Institute

Looking to prepare for your dream career? Fortis Institute can give you the skills and training you need to succeed in the fast-growing and high-demand healthcare field. * Programs vary by location * Please contact each individual campus for accreditation information * Fortis Institute - Indianapolis advertising code is AC-0163.

Programs:

• Practical Nursing
• Medical Assisting

Locations: Phoenix

Keiser University

Keiser University eCampus Online offers degrees in fields that are in high demand and provides job placement assistance to all its students and alumni.

Programs:

• Nursing, MS
• Medical Assisting, AS
• Health Services Administration, AA (Online)

The College Network

Start your nursing career with The College Network. Earn your NLNAC/CCNE Accredited nursing degree online from one of our partner universities: Regis University, Indiana State University, Angelo State University and more at 1/2 the cost and time of traditional universities with no campus attendance, no wait list and local clinicals.

Programs:

• LPN/LVN to RN - AS in Nursing (Licensed LPN/LVNs only)
• LPN/LVN to RN - BS in Nursing - Indiana St. - (Licensed LPN/LVNs only)
• Paramedic to RN
• And more...

Kaplan University

Advance your career and get the distinct competitive advantage you need with an online degree from Kaplan University. And do it without missing a day of work.

Programs:

• MS in Nursing
• RN to MS in Nursing
• MS in Nursing - Nurse Administrator
• And more...

Keiser University Graduate School

Keiser University offers accredited degree programs in today's high-demand careers: Healthcare, Technology, Paralegal, Business, Nursing and Legal Studies.

Programs:

• Nursing, MS (Online)
• Health Services Management, Graduate Business Certificate

Western Governors University

At Western Governors University, your competence - the knowledge and skills you possess - is the ultimate focus of every degree program.

Programs:

• B.S. in Nursing
• M.S. in Nursing - Leadership and Management
• M.S. in Nursing - Leadership and Management (RN to MSN Option)
• And more...

Walden University

Balance your personal and professional commitments while earning a respected Ph.D., master's degree, or bachelor's degree online at Walden University. Programs offered in management, education, psychology and health and human services.

Programs:

• B.S. in Nursing (BSN)
• Post-Masters Certificates in Nursing - Nursing Education
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) - General
• And more...

Brookline College

Learn to shine in a new career with help from Brookline College. We offer flexible, career-track programs in the medical, legal, business and nursing fields.

For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important consumer information, please visit http://brooklinecollege.edu/discl/

Programs:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing for Baccalaureate Degree Graduates
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing
• Diploma - Medical Assistant

Locations: Phoenix